Our commitment for a more inclusive Doctors of BC
BC doctors are a diverse group comprised of different genders, racial backgrounds, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, ages, specialties, practice locations, and more. As physicians, our members also serve a patient population that is equally as diverse in their backgrounds and in their health care needs. As such, Doctors of BC has been undertaking work to ensure that our governance bodies are representative and inclusive of the diversity of our members. We also strive to support our members in contributing to efforts to ensure that the health care system in British Columbia is culturally safe, equitable, and inclusive for both the providers who work in it and the patients who are served by it.
Equity, diversity and inclusion in our governance bodies
As part of our broader work around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we are making efforts to increase the diversity and inclusivity of our governance bodies – the Board, Representative Assembly, and Committees – while also working to ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to participate in these bodies. This work is based on our member engagement and is largely driven by the recommendations in Doctors of BC’s Diversity and Inclusion Barrier Assessment Report (Barrier Assessment). This report outlines our current action plan for EDI in our governance bodies. Our Vision Statement outlines our overall aspirational commitment and vision for EDI in our governance bodies now and in the future.
Vision statement: Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
We acknowledge that certain people in our society face unjust treatment and barriers to opportunities due to individual and societal discrimination. As Doctors of BC is a reflection of the society in which we live, certain groups of our members are underrepresented or feel less welcome in the association than others. Being a member-based association, the voice of Doctors of BC must represent the diversity of our membership, particularly those that are underrepresented.
Therefore, we commit to ensuring that all our members have access to the same opportunities to participate and feel included in Doctors of BC. We recognize the dignity and worth of every person and will strive to ensure that all our members feel welcome, respected, and that their voice is valued regardless of gender identity, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, Indigenous identity, disability, location of medical education, and/or other dimensions of diversity. Meeting this commitment will enable Doctors of BC to represent our members more effectively and provide services relevant to their needs. In doing so, we will better support our members so that they can support their patients.
Equity, diversity and inclusion work
Since embarking upon this journey, Doctors of BC has undertaken a number of steps to become a more diverse and inclusive organization.